Hurricane Melissa Devastates Jamaica, Haiti with Over 50 Dead, Massive Infrastructure Damage

Hurricane Melissa, a Category 5 storm, devastated Jamaica, particularly the historic seaport town of Black River, which the government has called the storm's "ground zero." Up to 90% of structures in Black River lost roofs, power lines and buildings were toppled, and more than 60% of Jamaica remained without electricity with nearly half the water systems offline. Residents have been forced to scavenge for food and water from damaged stores and debris amid growing desperation and isolation, with some communities still cut off and aid slow to arrive. The storm caused at least 19 deaths in Jamaica and 31 in nearby Haiti, and entire villages were flooded, with roads erased or clogged with debris, complicating rescue and relief efforts. Families like those of Jamaican native Stephen Sinclair face overwhelming challenges as they begin to clean up and rebuild, with many lacking home insurance and relying on community support to survive. Government officials and aid groups continue efforts to clear roads and distribute supplies, but the scale of destruction has left many residents uncertain about the future and in urgent need of assistance.